dead friend

my friend with an ostomy died recently. his brother sent out a notice by email, using Chris's account. i was shocked to read it, although he had been sick his whole life and was waiting for a double lung transplant in the time leading up to his death. his whole life was marked knowing that it could be over soon. he led an unusual life to say the least, between being a regular TV telethon face, to visits from hockey players at the Children's hospital, to trying to live like a normal kid in a suburban town, and keep a job, and cart an oxygen tank around sometimes.

through having an ostomy, i have come into contact with people - like Chris - who have lived unusual lives, with all kinds of health complications, and run-ins with hospital, needles, knives, drugs, walkathons, frustrations like missing big events because they too sick to go, pooping themselves, getting screwed by a negligent doctor, etc... and then we've all been able to meet up in the park or a coffee shop and laugh about it.